For the most part my train operators will be uncoupling cars equiped with Kadee couplers and a "pick" within reach. However, I've got some locations on the main on the layout in progress near a large industry where uncoupling locations are not within reach.
Anyway, using Kadee's electro-magnet under the track uncoupler seems a no brainer. However, if I understand the mechanics, it's a "delayed operaton" uncoupler. That means I have a very unrealistic back-up move to get the coupler open and then push the car where I want it.
I would prefer to uncouple the cars just as if my brakemen just cut the lever right then and there without an unrealistic back-up move. Also, In some cases, I would also like to cut the cars on the fly as if my brakeman was riding the car when he pulled the cut lever. I do not want a stationary magnet as for various reasons would have false uncouplings.
I note that Kadee offers the non-electro-magnetic magnets as delayed or non delay. What is the difference in the magnets?
I suppose if I build one that swings up under the ties mechanically by pulling a string etc that would solve my problem? Also, if I have to uncouple with no slack with a long train on an uphill grade, am I just SOL with the delayed option?
What are my options?
How about getting a few of the DCC uncoupling cars?
I don't have them yet, but I'm going to buy a 2-3 and try them out. Other members here have reviewed them and they seem work well.
You just have to use at least one behind the switcher, and maybe another at the tail end.
Here's the link to the website for more info on how they work. Link
Scroll down to the bottom of the main page and click on the Operations Simulations.
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
wabash2800 Anyway, using Kadee's electro-magnet under the track uncoupler seems a no brainer. However, if I understand the mechanics, it's a "delayed operaton" uncoupler. That means I have a very unrealistic back-up move to get the coupler open and then push the car where I want it. I would prefer to uncouple the cars just as if my brakemen just cut the lever right then and there without an unrealistic back-up move.
I would prefer to uncouple the cars just as if my brakemen just cut the lever right then and there without an unrealistic back-up move.
There is no requirement to use the Kadee "delayed" feature. When over an uncoupler, if there is slack, the couplers release. You simply pull away for non-delayed uncoupling. After the couplers release over a delayed action uncoupler, and the couplers are separated, they move to the side to the delayed position. You can then (with care and a smooth running engine) push the car with the couplers engaged in the delayed position. The couplers will release and resume their normal position upon separation, whether the separation is intentional or not (which is why the smooth running, slow speed engine). The couplers then automatically couple when they touch again. The Kadee dance and delayed push is totally optional.
The big draw back is that the coupler on the spotted car remains in the delayed position as long as it is over the magnet. And any coupler approaching it will also snap to the delayed position when it moves over the magnet. In other words, you can't couple two couplers that are sitting over a magnet.
Which is why I prefer to use magnets that hinge and drop out of position, or magnets that slide horizontally in and out of position, or vertical cylindrical rare earth magnets. The latter have a very limited longitudinal operating range. They require more precise spotting for magnetic uncoupling. Electro-magnets serve the same purpose.
Also, In some cases, I would also like to cut the cars on the fly as if my brakeman was riding the car when he pulled the cut lever.
I'm not sure how to make this happen, as all HO model knuckle couplers I know of require slack to open. Model cars don't coast nearly as well as the prototype, or at the slow coasting speeds of the prototype cars. Timing both the slack and the action of the uncoupling device to only the desired coupler pair while simultaneously operating the train is beyond my skill set. And speeds much greater than scale would be needed.
Delayed magnets are wider than non-delayed. This enables the magnets to pull the coupler sideways (when disengaged) to the delayed position.
You have to have slack, even if momentary or generated by the insertion of the pick, to uncouple. Note that if you could uncouple with no slack, and you are uncoupling with a long train on an uphill grade, the uncoupled portion of the train will simply roll away downgrade. Both modelers and prototype have experienced this. The ending is often not pretty.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
Motley How about getting a few of the DCC uncoupling cars? I don't have them yet, but I'm going to buy a 2-3 and try them out. Other members here have reviewed them and they seem work well. You just have to use at least one behind the switcher, and maybe another at the tail end.
The problem is that the majority of switching at industry and virtually all the switching in a classification yard is between cars , not between the engine and the cars or between the last car in a cut. Until you can fit both ends of every car with DCC uncoupling, it won't really help industrial or classification.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
Sorry, but I can't visualise the situation which you're describing. Is the locomotive pulling or pushing the train as it moves along the main?
In order to break the train on the main, I'd think that the electro-magnets would be your best option, but that delayed-action permanent magnets would be a better choice for actually spotting the car on the siding. That slight move to introduce slack in the couplers is totally prototypical, by the way, as stretched couplers aren't supposed to part.
So you'd need at least one electro-magnetic uncoupler on the main (it could serve several nearby industries) plus a delayed-action permanent magnet for each of the individual sidings.
Wayne